Roadside Attraction Hermit's Cabin (Hermit's Cave)
Tule Valley
Overview
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Sun 50 | 39 |
Mon 51 | 37 |
Tue 49 | 34 |
Wed 41 | 32 |
Thu 41 | 29 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
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Sun 50 | 39 |
Mon 51 | 37 |
Tue 49 | 34 |
Wed 41 | 32 |
Thu 41 | 29 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
Looking down toward Marjum Canyon
The West Desert is full of colorful characters that left their mark on the history of the region. Bob Stinson stands out in my mind as one of the most colorful! Bob, after serving in World War I, returned to find his sweetheart had married another man while he was away. Broken-hearted, he headed out to Delta in Utah to visit his brother.
En route to Delta, Bob's vehicle broke down in Marjum Canyon. The canyon was known for rockfall on the road and a steep grade that caused many vehicles to overheat. Well, Bob ended up building a shelter near the bottom of Marjum Canyon in a large overhang now referred to as the Hermit's Cabin or Hermit's Cave. He lived in the cave and even ended up being paid by the US Government to help maintain the road in Marjum Canyon. He would remove rocks and fill washouts that occurred after major rains. To supplement his income, Bob trapped bobcats and coyotes and even tended a small group of sheep. In addition, he kept BADGERS as pets in a pen near his cave. As the primary route between Delta and Nevada, Bob would frequently have visitors and was said to always be hospitable, welcoming visitors to stay in his small home and sharing his home made alcohol that he fermented being a small wood stove.
In 1951, they built the new highway between Delta and Nevada south of Marjum Canyon, and Bob lost his job. He moved on and lived to be 80 years old. They spread his ashes near his Hermit's Cave in Marjum Canyon.
Today, the cabin is a fascinating place to visit, a bit off the beaten path. Marjum Canyon is a sheer walled limestone canyon that is absolutely stunning to visit. I can't imagine the isolation that Bob must have felt, but he lived in an exquisite place.
The Hermit's Cabin
Getting There
From the East:
This approach has more dirt road, but sees all of Marjum Canyon. Head west out of Delta on US-6/US-50, heading toward Nevada. About 12 miles west of Delta, at mile post 76.1, turn right onto old Highway 6. Follow old Highway 6 for 35.5 miles to a side road on the right that goes up a side canyon. This is near the bottom of Marjum Canyon. Follow the rough side road a quarter of a mile or so to a parking area at the base of a cliff and the end of the road.
From the West:
This approach has less dirt road, but only sees the bottom of Marjum Canyon. Doing a loop from the west to east or east to west is a great way to see Marjum Canyon and stunning scenery.
Head west out of Delta on US-6/US-50 heading toward Nevada for about 55.5 miles. At milepost 33.1, turn right onto a good dirt road and reset your odometer. After 0.8 miles, go left. The good dirt road heads north along the base of Notch Peak and its dramatic west face.
9.1 miles - Four way junction, with Painter Spring on the right. Stay straight.
13.9 miles - Four way Junction with old Highway 6. Turn right and reset your odometer. The road heads east into Marjum Canyon.
3.2 miles - Side road on the left. This is the side road to the trailhead. Follow the rough side road a quarter of a mile or so to a parking area at the base of a cliff and the end of the road.
The view from Bob's Front Window.
Route
From the parking area, follow the wash bottom up stream. The cave is on the left, just around the first bend. Across from the cave is another overhang that they say Bob used as a chicken pen.
Though many just visit the cave, continuing up the drainage is a pretty hike that ends at a dry fall that can be climbed around with some looseness on the right, but seems better as a turnaround spot.
Photos
Maps
| Trailhead |
12S 292611mE 4346865mN N39° 14' 47" W113° 24' 12" |
| Hermit's Cabin |
12S 292616mE 4347010mN N39° 14' 52" W113° 24' 12" |